The Unity in the Community Organization held its seventh annual Sharing in the Community senior citizen Christmas social. This event was originally initiated to recognize, celebrate and pamper the senior citizens of Polk County and Landrum, and this year was no different than in the years past.

The organization set out to create a restaurant style setting. The board members and community volunteers served as waiters and waitresses, taking care of every need of the attendees. The delicious meal consisted of a salad, turkey, roast beef, roasted potatoes, dressing, gravy, broccoli casserole, an array of desserts and tea.

Rev. Patricia Gainer, pastor of the Zion Grove A.M.E. Zion Church, served as MC for the evening, and Rev. Walter King, pastor of the Wheat Creek Baptist Church, spoke about the true meaning of Christmas. The invocation was given by Rev. Arbutus Hines, pastor of the Stony Knoll C.M.E. Church.

Live music was provided by the special guest saxophonist, Ray Jackson of Spartanburg S.C., along with the backup band, Changed, of Inman S.C. Amber Pratt and Kassidy Patrick mesmerized the crowd with their dramatic duo interpretation performance of “Amazing Grace.”

The senior citizens joyfully engaged in the fun and games segment of the evening, by playing name that tune, and the memory game.

The conclusion and the most anticipated part of the evening, was the giving of the gifts. As each name was called, the seniors made their way to the stage to pick from a variety of wrapped gifts, fruit baskets and gift baskets. The remaining gifts were distributed to the needy in the community.

The Senior Citizen Christmas  Social was made possible by the Christmas Cheer Grant Fund from the Polk County Community Foundation.

– article submitted by David Staley